LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) – British actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to two additional charges of rape and sexual assault relating to alleged incidents nearly two decades ago.
Brand, 50, appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London, where he denied accusations of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2009.
The latest charges come in addition to five sexual offences — including two counts of rape involving four women — to which Brand pleaded not guilty in May last year. He is currently due to stand trial in June.
A hearing will be held next month to determine whether the new allegations will be joined to the existing case. Brand’s lawyer told the court that his client required more time to address the additional charges.
Brand arrived at court wearing a white cowboy hat and sunglasses. Asked by reporters how he was feeling, Brand — who said in 2024 that he had become a Christian — replied that he felt “blessed.”
Once one of Britain’s most prominent broadcasters, Brand was a regular presence on British television in the 2000s and was known for his flamboyant style. He also worked as a radio presenter for the BBC and was previously married to U.S. singer Katy Perry.
